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The complaint is the written document that begins a lawsuit. The complaint sets out the plaintiff's claim against the defendant or defendants. The plaintiff files the complaint with the clerk. With the complaint, the plaintiff must file a civil cover sheet and summons for each defendant.

Self-represented litigants can register with the Florida Courts e-Filing Portal, a free service that allows parties to file documents and pleadings online, as well as receive electronic communications from the courts about their cases. You may access the portal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to file documents.

DEADLINE: After being served, the Respondent has 20 days to file an answer admitting or denying each of the claims contained in the petition.

The party to whom the interrogatories are directed must serve the answers and any objections within 30 days after the service of the interrogatories, except that a defendant may serve answers or objections within 45 days after service of the process and initial pleading on that defendant.

You, the plaintiff, must file a ?Statement of Claim? form, available at your Clerk's office. This must be fully completed and signed to receive a pre-trial conference date. If your claim is based upon written documentation, attach a copy of the contract to the Statement of Claim form.

After completing the petition and all supporting documents, you must file them with your local clerk of the circuit court. This officially opens the case. Use the FIND A CLERK webpage to find your local clerk of court. You may file petitions or other documents electronically; however, you are not required to do so.